Yburg Castle

In 1190, Herman V, Margrave of Baden-Baden inherited the rights to the villages of Steinbach and Sinzheim. As the Yburg would have secured the Margraviate of Baden's new southwest border, it can be assumed that they built it at this time. The surrounding territory increasingly came under Baden's influence from mid-13th century on; Eberstein Castle was constructed nearby, Hohenbaden Castle was enlarged, and Steinbach was fortified and given the status of a township. Until 1369, the Yburg was administered by the Röder von Rodeck family, who served the House of Baden as civil servants. In the 15th century, under Margrave Bernhard I, a bailiff resided at Yburg, and it is likely the castle received its eastern annex for their residence. The Yburg was destroyed in 1525 during the German Peasants' War. In 1535, the Margraviate of Baden split into the rival Margraviates of Baden-Durlach and Baden-Baden, which then further split with the Baden-Rodemacher line. When the Baden-Baden line died out in 1588, Baden-Rodemacher's scion, Edward Fortunatus inherited Baden-Baden. According to legend, he and two alchemists practiced black magic in the castle. Edward Fortunatus attempted to assassinate his cousin and rival Ernest Frederick, Margrave of Baden-Durlach, who proceeded to occupy Baden-Baden.